Four Illinois universities have been ranked among the best in the U.S. according to a new ranking from U.S. News. The 2025 report uses specialized rankings such as the best value schools, most innovative colleges, top performers on social mobility and historically Black colleges and universities, as well as universities with the greatest commitment to undergraduate teaching.

The Illinois schools that ranked highest in the specialty categories included the University of Chicago in 8th place for best value schools, Northwestern University tied for 28th place for most innovative schools, and Wheaton College tied for 52nd place for programs that enhance first-year experiences. When it comes to best colleges for veterans, the University of Chicago ranks first in the country.

The rankings evaluated 1,700 colleges and universities using more than a dozen measures of academic quality, U.S. News said in a news release.

Illinois schools in the top 100 were:

6. University of Chicago

7 (tie). Northwestern University

36 (tie). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

84 (tie). University of Illinois Chicago

These rankings show not just the quality of Illinois higher education but also Illinois’ commitment to ensuring its young people can build a future for themselves.

Read the full list of school rankings here.